Neurosurgery as it was

If the clinical examination failed to lateralise the lesion, but there was clinical evidence of raised intracranial pressure, the investigation of choice was an exploratory burr hole, followed by an air ventriculogram. Hydrocephalus was diagnosed in children by the clinical evidence of the "sun-set" sign and had to be treated by a cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedure in the form of a shunt. Skin preparation consisted of the use of soap and water, ether, spirit, iodine, and spirit again in that religious order!